“There’s no such thing as a bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”. Who are we to disagree with one of the world’s greatest adventurers, Ranulph Fiennes. If you’re tackling the three tallest mountains in the UK then you’ll need to come prepared. All three mountains are on the Western seaboard of the UK and bear the brunt of the prevailing weather. It won’t come as a surprise to learn it’s not uncommon to encounter all four seasons on your trip. Making sure you’ve got the right kit will keep you ready for any eventuality creating a more enjoyable trip for you.
Below is a list of our recommended kit for your trip. It’s important to note that on top of the below kit you will need a separate bag with your ‘off the mountain’ clothing. That won’t be coming up the mountain with you and therefore you don’t have to be quite as strategic.
Walking Boots / Trail Shoes
Ideally your boots will have ankle support however if you’ve got a good level of fitness and run / walk on uneven terrain regularly then trail running shoes can also work here. Top tip, make sure it’s not the first time you wear your shoes as they’ll be stiff which could lead to blisters.
Socks
Thermal socks are great for trips like this. Make sure you’ve got a few pairs as there’s a high chance they’ll get wet.
Shorts / Soft Shell Trousers / Water Proof Trousers
As mentioned, the weather is unpredictable and therefore coming prepared with options will put you in a good position. We recommend Gore-Tex (or similar) waterproof trousers as you’re guaranteed to stay dry. The soft shell trousers will keep your protected and warm but are breathable which means they are ideal for when it’s not raining and you’re active.
T-Shirt / Thermal Tops / Soft Shell Jacket / Waterproof Jacket
Where possible it’s great to have layers, as you can find yourself needing to cool down and warm up multiple times a day. Again the Waterproof Jacket, ideally with hood, should be Gore-Tex or equivalent to keep you protected in wild weather. The other layers should be breathable and comfortable.
Sun Hat / Warm Hat
Ideally your warm hat covers your ears and your sun hat shades you from the sun. If you’ve got that, then pick your style and go wild!
Suncream / Sunblock / Sunglasses
You will be out climbing the mountains for large chunks of the day without coverage so making sure you’re protected is essential. No one wants to look like a lobster at the end of the day.
Rucksack
15-30 litre capacity is ideal for a trip like this. If you’re unsure of what size within that range, try packing the list above and see how much you get in.
Hydration / Nutrition
Our advice is to carry two litres of water per mountain and to have plenty of snacks for the journey. There are so many great energy bars or gels that provide high calorie intake which will work well for the trip. If energy bars aren’t your thing, then think Flapjacks, Malt-loaf, dried fruit etc.
Head Torch
While it shouldn’t be required, it’s always good practice to carry a head torch when in the mountains. You never know when it might come in handy.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns then drop us a message here or book a chat here